CalL1 Modesto Nuts

Swanner's Walk-Off Lifts Modesto to Sweep

Published on May 8, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release


MODESTO, CA (May 6th, 2013) -- The Nuts were able to finish off a four-game sweep over the Blaze by overcoming some late hurdles, and eventually walking off to a 4-3 win in 10 innings on Monday night at John Thurman Field.

With the victory, the Nuts (13-18) were able to complete their first sweep of the season, moving their winning streak to a season-high of four.

With a man at second and two outs in the 10th, Bakersfield elected to intentionally walk Juan Crousset to face Nuts designated-hitter Will Swanner. After facing the same situation in the sixth and flying out, Swanner came through in the clutch the second time around as he doubled over center-fielder Yorman Rodriguez's head, bringing Harold Riggins in to score for the walk-off victory.

Nelson Gonzalez (1-2), who tossed a scoreless top of the 10th, picked up his first victory of the season after the Nuts plated the winning run against Blaze reliever Kyle McMyne (0-2).

Modesto held a 2-0 lead into the eighth inning, but the Nuts bullpen could not hold off a late Blaze attack. Will Rankin took over in relief in the eighth, but ran into trouble by issuing a pair of walks. With two outs in the inning, Nuts Manager Lenn Sakata brought in closer Scott Oberg, whose first pitch was lined into left-center field for a 2-run double by Kyle Waldrop.

The Nuts had a chance to retake the lead in the bottom of the eighth, but failed to score after a lead-off triple from Taylor Featherston. Bakersfield then pushed across a go-ahead run in the top of the ninth against Oberg, with Josef Terry singling to start the inning and scoring on an eventual error by Harold Riggins.

In the bottom of the ninth, Modesto was able to draw a pair of walks against Blaze closer Brian Pearl, with Tyler Massey coming through with a 2-out RBI single to force extra-innings.

Modesto's inability to hold the late lead cost Nuts starter Tyler Anderson a chance at his first win. The lefty put together one of his best outings of the year, limiting the Blaze to two scattered hits across six shutout innings.

The two teams traded zeroes until the Nuts finally broke through with a pair of runs in the sixth against reliever Pat Doyle. After singles by Massey and Featherston to start the inning, Riggins and Story delivered RBI hits to get Modesto on the board.

Massey led the team with a 3-for-4 effort at the dish, raising his season average to .305.

Modesto will try to keep their streak going as they continue at home with a three-game series on tap against the Stockton Ports starting on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Chris Jensen (0-3, 4.78) will start tomorrow for Modesto, opposite LHP Jake Brown (1-1, 5.31) for the Ports.

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California League Stories from May 8, 2013


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